An Open Letter to John Galliano

Learning about the Holocaust is a great first step. Don't stop there.

Once upon a time everything was great. You were king of the fashion hill, creative director for the legendary fashion house Christian Dior, the designer of choice for A-list actresses and models, and an award-winning leader in the fashion industry.

And oh you were outrageous! “I don’t feel the need to apologize,” you said. Your critics were “bourgeois people, condescending and smug.” And even if you were offensive, so what, it was “better to be talked about than not.”i

But you blew it. Two years ago you were in Paris, drunk, and told someone she had a “dirty Jew face.” You denied it – of course – but there was a video and the world heard you say, “I love Hitler. People like you would be dead today. Your mothers, your forefathers, would all be gassed.”

Natalie Portman – she wore your designs – said, “I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano’s comments that surfaced today. In light of this video, and as an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr. Galliano in any way."ii

Oops.

You were fired. You went into rehab. You disappeared. But now you want to be famous again. You blamed the booze, but give me a break – in vino veritas (in wine there is truth) – everybody knows that.iii So you got chummy with Abe Foxman and the ADL, read books on the Holocaust and Jewish history, and met with Jewish community leaders as penance.iv It must’ve been hell.

Are you sincere? I hope you are. You told Vanity Fair, in your first ever sober interview, “I have been trying to find out why [my] anger was directed at this race. I now realize I was so angry and so discontent with myself that I just said the most spiteful thing I could.”v

In other words, you were miserable, self-absorbed, angry, and needed a target and oh darn, it just happened to be the Jews?

Well, that’s nothing new.

Sigmund Freud explained, "Jews are hated not so much because they killed Jesus, but because they produced him."

Hitler claimed, “I free humanity from the shackles of the soul, from the degrading suffering caused by a false vision called conscience and morality.”

A former confidant of Hitler’s said, “It is against his own insoluble problem of being human that the dull and base in humanity are in revolt in anti-Semitism. Nevertheless Judaism, together with Hellenism and Christianity, is an inalienable component of our Christian Western Civilization – the eternal "call to Sinai," against which humanity again and again rebels.”vi

Humanity rebels against Sinai?

The Talmud (Shabbos 89) uses wordplay to explain: the Torah – the source for Jewish values – was received at Mount Sinai. Sinai is similar in pronunciation to sinah (“hate” in Hebrew). God gave the Torah on a mountain called “Sinai” because sinah – tremendous hatred aimed at the Jews – emanates from there.vii

Sinai is the source for Jewish values. Jews – by embracing Judaism – embrace a moral God and values and ethics and all its associated baggage. And that embrace made them the target of those at war – be it personal or global – against morality and values.

You were angry with the Jews because you were angry with yourself. In your anger and discontent you lashed out, and who better to lash out against than the Jews? It’s a story as old as Sinai.

But why be negative? Judaism doesn’t start and end with the anti-Semitism. Look at what Jews are and have given to the world. Jews are fiercely independent, critical thinkers. They value life, love, family, and community. They believe in social action, justice, equality, charity, self-sacrifice, and peace. They believe in leadership and personal responsibility. And the Torah teaches that a relationship with God is impossible in a world without harmony and mutual respect. (And they produce pretty actresses to wear your dresses, too.) Those are great things.

The Jewish people have been around forever. And they have lasted in spite of anti-Semitism, exile, and a miniscule population (the world’s Jewish population is estimated at about 14 million, or 0.2%). And in spite of those things they have had a massive impact on humanity (20% of Nobel Prize winners are Jewish, the world’s biggest religions are based on Judaism, I can go on).

Are they perfect? Of course not. They bicker and argue and use poor judgment and make mistakes like everyone else. But those aren’t reasons to hate them.

Welcome back to the real world. You have already learned a lot about yourself. Hopefully you’ll learn a lot about the Jewish people, too. And who knows? Maybe a few Jews will learn from you and investigate their heritage as well.

About the Author

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 22

(21)
Anonymous,
June 16, 2013 12:49 PM

hearts of stone

so much hatred, unforgivness, vendetta, cruelty: are those the highest ethical and moral standards

(20)
scott,
June 16, 2013 6:53 AM

Who is this guy anyway? I care because.....?

I'm not sure why Galliano is such an obsession. I really don't care about the guy. What is he?...some sort of fashion designer who makes clothes no self respecting Jew would wear in the first place? A useless person who hates Jews....maybe he should move to the back woods of Idaho. Seriously that's the Klan motto "Useless people who hate Jews."

I have known for years that the world hates Jews. Even before I experienced my first taste of antisemitism, I read about it in the torah. It's not new. It's like a mole you can't remove because the doctor thinks messing with it might be a bad thing. And it's not gong away until the messianic era. Galliano said something stupid in public. Something that most people in the gentile world have been guilty of thinking-I've had gentile acquaintances say worse. I usually just walk away and find a new acquaintance.

I forgive the guy-not that he asked me...but I still won't buy things I know he's a part of...if...you know...I actually ever decide to spend a bunch of money on expensive clothes. Man I hope the gap doesn't tell me they're hiring him-I'd hate to have being politically correct on Galliano ruin the only good fitting chinos I can find. Me, I avoid doing business with people that offend me. But I don't make persecuting them such a big deal. Shouldn't that be the end of the galliano controversy? He's an antisemite. Most gentiles are to some degree. Get over it.

If anti antisemitism bothers you so much get on a plane and move to Israel.. Don't have a lot of antisemites here for some reason. Got a bunch of Jews that don't like other Jews...but that's more of a family squabble than racism.

But that Mel Gibson...another story completely. Still can't stand that guy. Thinking of uber-boycotting Danny Glover just because he had to have had lunch with that guy at some time during all those movies they made.

Gibsooon!

(19)
Tika Rosenthal,
June 15, 2013 7:45 AM

Charlie Rose Show, 06-12-13

I saw Galliano (Juan Carlos) on the PBS Charlie Rose show. I work in the mental health field. I understand drug and alcohol abuse, and also recovery. He stated that he was wrong and is willing to make amends. Can we let go of this now?. Enough discussion of a person's terrible mistake. I understood what he was saying last night. He said he was sorry, and I could see he was remorseful. He is in treatment, let him work on his inventory without everyone's input.

(18)
Alexander Harold Hersh,
June 14, 2013 7:54 AM

Words from an evil tongue

Two years ago when fashion designer, John Galliano was in Paris and intoxicated from having drunk too much wine, he made appalling, disgusting, offensive and insulting remarks about Jews. I, of course, like all decent and respectable people was very angry. It is a known fact that "in vino veritas" - "in wine is truth" aptly applies in this case. A sober John Galliano may have had remorse with sudden contrition of his heart and apologised to Jews for his unsavory public anti-Semitic utterances captured live on video and the Jews may have forgiven him, but the relationship between him and them can never ever be the same as it was before. Once nasty epithets and unkind words have been uttered by a person's tongue and have parted from his lips, they can never be retracted.

(17)
Kenneth Jacoby,
June 14, 2013 12:52 AM

Has he changed?

Surely alcohol removed inhibitions on revealing the true self. However, can someone change from being an anti-Semite? If so, how long does it take? What will they have to do? Will there always be doubt? Everyone will have their own answers.

(16)
Anonymous,
June 13, 2013 12:12 PM

showing compassion is anti-semitic

antisemitism has nothing to do with forgiveness andcompassion.

(15)
SamtheShamus,
June 12, 2013 8:35 PM

"THE" contraversity of mistakes vs. drinking too much....

To those who associate themselves in gross alcoholism as a means of feeling better; regardless of the Foster Brooks act of humorous alcoholic falling down behavior; should tell us all something about who and what we really are. Slightly evolved grotesque animals or bizarre non-real world angels? Any thoughts?

(14)
Anonymous,
June 12, 2013 11:38 AM

STOP CRUCIFYING GALLIANO

Enough is enough! Galliano appologized and asked for forgivness. Stop the vendetta and show compassion.Treat your brother like you want to be treated yourself.

Anonymous,
June 13, 2013 4:32 AM

enough is enough

Enough is enough! Stop being antisemitic and telling the Jews what to do. If I had a vaccine against antisemitisme, you would be my first patient. and by the way, galliano does not deserve this letter.

(13)
mordi,
June 11, 2013 3:47 AM

waht to do

It's simple. Ostracize him. Just like Mel Gibson, " Oh i was drunk ". Drink in excess reveals the real you. They are both antisemites. Forget them entirely. Treat them like they are dead. Boycott anything they touch.

(12)
Anonymous,
June 10, 2013 9:17 PM

we forgive, but....

In the Jewish religion we believe - fiercly - that a Jew who has been in the lowest states that a human being can go down to can do TESHUVA. he can become so great, that he can become the greatest Rabbi of the generation. But can we trust a non- Jew to do the same? A Jew can say he didn´t know he couldn´t do what he did, and discover the truth and learn and become a better person. A non- Jew can NEVER be trusted. His past is his past.So what can we learn from this? DON´T BE AFRAID TO GIVE YOUR CHILDREN A STRONG JEWISH EDUCATION. He will learn morals and decency from day one, and g-d forbid not fall into such a situation that he has to be literally dragged out from drugs and other terrible lifestyles, and have his horrible past dug up.

(11)
Sherry,
June 10, 2013 3:47 PM

There is a rumbling on the streets, and it comes from the top of governments and rmbles downward. It scares me that people so openly are again showing thier anti-semtic values.

(10)
Andrew Stiller,
June 10, 2013 3:34 PM

A tiger doesn't change his stripes

Is Galliano truly sorry for what he said, or merely sorry that he got caught saying it? This hatred is nothing new, and (sadly) not likely to change.

(9)
sarah,
June 10, 2013 1:30 PM

Mr. Galliano

I grew up with John Galliano. We played together in the street, back in the days when it was safe to play out on roller skates and play hopscotch, and we were very good childhood friends. He came from a lovely and loving family. He went to Catholic School. He has always been an icon in East Dulwich where he grew up, as well as at the lovely catholic primary school he attended. I havent seen John since before he became famous. That was back in the 1970's. I, my family and everyone who knew John as the sweet kid he was were so happy and thrilled to hear how successful he had become. Sadly success has its downside. That is often with the use of alchol and drugs. Having come himself from a minority ethnic background, albeit not Jewish, I can only hope and believe that it was John's lifestyle and use of substances that led to such horrendous, racist and ignorant remarks. Its important when people become famous not to remember their humble beginnings and the strugges and sacrafices their family have made to enable them to achieve and succeed. However I also believe that people should be allowed to see the error of their ways and make amends. I hope that he is given the chance to do this.

(8)
zorba,
June 10, 2013 12:12 PM

shame on the name

I've even quit drinking Galliano liqueur

(7)
YoJewMama,
June 10, 2013 4:19 AM

Well said

Too bad this guy and those who need it most won't even read this. Why do we have to keep reminding ourselves how OK we really are and how much we do in this world as a nation?

Thanks for the article.

(6)
Zorro,
June 9, 2013 10:08 PM

Too much time spent on Galliano

So much time, so many words on John Galliano. Not worth the trouble. We've got better things to do.

(5)
chris,
June 9, 2013 6:51 PM

John Jewish?

Funny, He looks Jewish.

(4)
Myron Frank,
June 9, 2013 5:45 PM

Thank you so much for writing this

Self hatred is the glue that cements you to hell. I pray that John Galliano can learn to respect himself , and , in so doing, respect others. Thank you, Herschell for speaking to all people who have anti-semetic beliefs in their heart.

(3)
Mickey Oberman,
June 9, 2013 5:42 PM

Galliano

John Galliano has proven over and over again that he is an arrogant, self adoring, revolting, anti Semite.

Now his wallet is growing thin and he fakes remorse.

To h--- with John Galliano.

(2)
Malka Nehama,
June 9, 2013 5:17 PM

We don't need to PROVE anything!

J.G is a troubled soul--this we know--but we dont have to prove our "worthiness" to him or any other Anti-semite! Obviously this so called "worldly" "D-ziner" isn't as worldly or savvy as his PR----otherwise he would have had a much larger world view (mindset) than he obviously has---We,as a people, are used to being scapegoats for ignorant individuals----A mindset like his is very difficult to change--REALLY---I will never ever give him or his clothing,opinion,desires or image a second thought--plain and simple he is a racist and joins the club of VERY SMALL MEN.

(1)
GHW,
June 9, 2013 4:36 PM

Shame on you

HG... A beautifully , well thought out letter, that needed to be written, for some unknown reason people now days think they can hide behind a computer screen or misbehave in public and it's ok.. NOT so , when one chooses to be hurtful or unkind to others , we will NO longer allow such things.We are taught to be respectful to others, our society no longer uphold this, so sad.I'm Christian, I know for a fact the JEWS are GOD's chosen people, they probably have suffered more in a life time then any other group of on earth.John Galliano, you would do well to listen to this writer , who was much more kind to you than you deserve.Step up , admit you were extremely wrong on all counts, ask for forgiveness, don't blame the alcohol for your outragious behavior, cruel remarks about Jews .YOU must now earn your way back to being part of GOD's human race . Do the hard work to try and regain the publics trus by your actions NOT just words you think they want to hear , mean what you say !!!t.. if you ever expect the public to trust you again.G

This year during Chanukah I will be on a wilderness survival trip, and it will be very difficult to properly celebrate the holiday. I certainty won't be able to bring along a Menorah.

So if I am going to celebrate only one day of Chanukah, which is the most significant?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

If a person can only celebrate one day of Chanukah, he should celebrate the first day.

This is similar to a case where a person is in prison, and the authorities agree to permit him to go to synagogue one day. The law is that he should go at the first opportunity, and not wait for a more important day like the High Holidays.

The reason is because one should not allow the opportunity of a mitzvah to pass. Moreover, it is quite conceivable that circumstances will later change and allow for additional observance. Therefore, we do not let the first chance pass. (Sources: Code of Jewish Law OC 90, Mishnah Berurah 28.)

As an important aside, Chanukah candles must be lit in (or at the entrance to) a home rather than out of doors. Thus, you should not light in actual "wilderness," but only after you've pitched your tent for the night.

There may be another reason why the first night is the one to focus on. Chanukah is celebrated for eight days to commemorate the one-day supply of oil that miraculously burned for eight days. But if you think about it, since there was enough oil to burn naturally for one night, nothing miraculous happened on that first night! So why shouldn't Chanukah be just seven days?!

There are many wonderful answers given to this question, highlighting the special aspect of the first day. Here are a few:

1) True, the miracle of the oil did not begin until the second day, and lasted for only seven days. But the Sages designated the first day of Chanukah in commemoration of the miraculous military victory.

2) Having returned to the Temple and found it in shambles, the Jews had no logical reason to think they would find any pure oil. The fact that the Maccabees didn't give up hope, and then actually found any pure oil at all, is in itself a miracle.

3) The Sages chose Chanukah, a festival that revolves around oil's ability to burn, as the time to teach the fundamental truth that even so-called "natural" events take place only because God wants them to.

The Talmudic Sage Rabbi Chanina Ben Dosa expressed this truth in explaining a miracle that occurred in his own home. Once, his daughter realized that she had lit the Shabbos candles with vinegar instead of oil. Rabbi Chanina calmed her, saying, "Why are you concerned! The One Who commanded oil to burn, can also command vinegar to burn!" The Talmud goes on to say that those Shabbos lights burned bright for many hours (Taanit 25a).

To drive this truth home, the Sages decreed that Chanukah be observed for eight days: The last seven to commemorate the miracle of the Menorah, and the first to remind us that even the “normal” burning of oil is only in obedience to God's wish.

In closing, I'm not sure what's stopping you from celebrating more than one day? At a minimum, you can light one candle sometime during the evening, and that fulfills the mitzvah of Chanukah - no “official Menorah” necessary. With so much joy to be had, why limit yourself to one night only?!

In 165 BCE, the Maccabees defeated the Greek army and rededicated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Finding only one jar of pure oil, they lit the Menorah, which miraculously burned for eight days. Also on this day -- 1,100 years earlier -- Moses and the Jewish people completed construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that accompanied them during 40 years of wandering in the desert. The Tabernacle was not dedicated, however, for another three months; tradition says that the day of Kislev 25 was then "compensated" centuries later -- when the miracle of Chanukah occurred and the Temple was rededicated. Today, Jews around the world light a Chanukah menorah, to commemorate the miracle of the oil, and its message that continues to illuminate our lives today.

A person who utilizes suffering to arouse himself in spiritual matters will find consolation. He will recognize that even though the suffering was difficult for him, it nevertheless helped him for eternity.

When you see yourself growing spiritually through your suffering, you will even be able to feel joy because of that suffering.

They established these eight days of Chanukah to give thanks and praise to Your great Name(Siddur).

Jewish history is replete with miracles that transcend the miracle of the Menorah. Why is the latter so prominently celebrated while the others are relegated to relative obscurity?

Perhaps the reason is that most other miracles were Divinely initiated; i.e. God intervened to suspend the laws of nature in order to save His people from calamity.

The miracle of the Menorah was something different. Having defeated the Seleucid Greek invaders, the triumphant Jews entered the Sanctuary. There they found that they could light the Menorah for only one day, due to a lack of undefiled oil. Further, they had no chance of replenishing the supply for eight days. They did light the Menorah anyway, reasoning that it was best to do what was within their ability to do and to postpone worrying about the next day until such worry was appropriate. This decision elicited a Divine response and the Menorah stayed lit for that day and for seven more.

This miracle was thus initiated by the Jews themselves, and the incident was set down as a teaching for all future generations: concentrate your efforts on what you can do, and do it! Leave the rest to God.

While even our best and most sincere efforts do not necessarily bring about miracles, the teaching is nevertheless valid. Even the likelihood of failure in the future should not discourage us from any constructive action that we can take now.

Today I shall...

focus my attention on what it is that I can do now, and do it to the best of my ability.

With stories and insights,
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